Bader presented the idea of an art installation using umbrellas on the beach to DIFFA- Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS. They liked the idea and Absolut Vodka was quickly secured as an underwriter.

The canvas umbrellas were donated by a company that wanted anonymity. From the western edge of the community to the former Talisman 250 six foot wide, bright pink umbrellas lined the beach at the dune line.

Pink the color associated with gayness ( as Bader put it) , festive times, and the idea of the umbrella elegant yet awkward – firmly planted in the sand and scarcely moving in the strong late August breeze. Ten teams of volunteers were on hand to plant and remove the umbrellas each day.

Along the oceanfront thirteen homes were opened to serve brunch to those who contributed. Over three hundred people a attended at the different houses, where they could gaze upon the line of umbrellas. Over $50,000 in direct patron and sponsorship contributions were collected by DIFFA.

Plans were made to bring the installation to Miami in 1996.

The home of Michael Haymes & Logan Green was opened for a sunset cocktail party. The house was given a pink makeover. Bill Foxcroft was the man in charge of everything from food to decor. Pink lemonade with Absolut vodka was the drink. 500 people attended the cocktail party.

Below Michael Haymes and Carol Congemi.

After the sunset the Pink Umbrellas Dance Finale took place at John Whyte’s Pavilion from midnight to dawn. The theme in the Pavilion was Pink aquarium with inflatable sea creatures.